STAY MOTIVATED: when writing your first book

In the UK we’ve had a wonderful summer which, unfortunately for me, has tempted me out in my garden. Nothing wrong with that you may say? I’ve weeded, planted, hoed and cut the lawns, but I’ve hardly done any writing, I couldn’t stay motivated with the sun shining!! Now that the equally stunning autumn has now turned into cold murky days, I can at last get down to some work. Getting back into the routine of writing everyday is still quite difficult (although I’m now able to stay motivated a little more) so, I was grateful when I chanced upon Jeff Goins blog a superb resource for all writers: 10 Ridiculously Simple Steps for Writing a Book. You can read the full article HERE

GOT MY MOJO BACK

Now that I’ve got my writing MOJO back I thought the following tips I curated from Jeff’s post may well inspire you as much as it has me. If you’re still dithering about writing your first book, take a look HERE for help and inspiration from my blog.

STAY MOTIVATED

Jeff actually gives 20 tips in his blog the first ten decribe the 10 steps for writing a book, and the following 10 are how to stay motivated once you’ve started writing. Here are Jeff’s tips on how to stay motivated and to help you keep going in the process:

1. Only write one chapter at a time

Write and publish a novel, one chapter at a time, using Amazon Kindle Singles, Wattpad, or sharing with your email list subscribers.

2. Write a shorter book

The idea of writing a 500-page masterpiece can be paralysing. Instead, write a short book of poems or stories. Long projects are daunting. Start small.

3. Start a blog to get feedback early.

Getting feedback early will often help break up the overwhelm. Start a website on WordPress or Tumblr and use it to write your book a chapter or scene at a time. Then eventually publish all the posts in a hardcopy book. This is a little different than tradition blogging, but the same concepts apply. We created a free tool to help you know when your blog posts are ready to publish. Check out Don’t Hit Publish.

4. Keep an inspiration list

You need it in order to keep fresh ideas flowing. Read constantly, and use a system to capture, organise and find the content you’ve curated. I use Evernote, but use a system that works for you.

5. Keep a journal

Then, rewrite the entries in a much more polished book format, but use some photocopies or scans of the journal pages as illustrations in the book. You could even sell “deluxe” editions that come with photocopied versions of the journal.

6. Deliver consistently

Some days, it’s easy to write. Some days, it’s incredibly hard. The truth is: inspiration is merely a byproduct of your hard work. You can’t wait for inspiration. The Muse is really an out-of-work bum who won’t move until you do. Show her who’s boss and that you mean business.

7. Take frequent breaks

Niel Fiore, the author of The Now Habit, says, “There is one main reason why we procrastinate: It rewards us with temporary relief from stress.” If you’re constantly stressed about your unfinished book, you’ll end up breaking your schedule. Instead, plan for breaks ahead of time so you stay fresh: minute breaks, hour breaks, or even multiple day breaks.

8. Remove distractions

Try tools like Bear or Scrivener to let you write in a totally distraction-free environment. That way, email, Face-book, and Twitter won’t interrupt your flow.

9. Write where others are writing (or working)

If you’re having trouble writing consistently by yourself, write where other people are also working. A coffee shop or library where people are actually working and not just socialising can help. If you’re in a place where other people are getting things done, then you’ll have no choice but to join them.

10. Don’t edit as you go

Instead, write without judgement first, then go back and edit later. You’ll keep a better flow and won’t be interrupted by constant criticism of your own work. And you’ll have a lot more writing to edit when it’s time to do so.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article Join my mailing list for more hints on how to write your first book. Don’t forget to visit Jeff Goins blog where you’ll find tons of interesting articles for all grades of writers. Enjoy